Translation guide
In English, "try to do" expresses an attempt or effort to perform an action. In Japanese, this concept is expressed through various grammatical patterns, each with subtle differences in nuance, such as whether the attempt is a first-time experience, a general effort, or an endeavor with uncertain outcome.
Express that someone makes an effort to do something, often with the implication that success is not guaranteed.
Attach to the volitional form of a verb. Indicates an attempt or effort to do something, often at a specific moment. Can imply that the action is about to happen or was attempted but not necessarily completed.
彼は逃げようとしたが、捕まった。
He tried to run away, but was caught.
I tried to get on the train, but the doors closed.
Attach to the te-form of a verb. Means "try doing something to see what happens" or "try something as an experiment." Often used for first-time experiences or testing something out.
この新しいレストランに行ってみよう。
Let's try going to this new restaurant.
ちょっと考えてみます。
I'll try thinking about it a little.
Attach to the dictionary form or nai-form of a verb. Means "make an effort to do (or not do) something" as a habitual or conscious effort. Focuses on the attempt as a goal or resolution.
毎日運動するようにしている。
I try to exercise every day.
甘いものを食べないようにしています。
I'm trying not to eat sweets.
A more formal or literary expression meaning "to attempt to do something." Used in writing or formal speech.
彼は脱出を試みた。
He attempted to escape.
Express that someone does something to see how it is, often with a sense of experimentation or curiosity.
The primary pattern for trying something out. Use when the focus is on experiencing the result.
この服を着てみてもいいですか。
May I try on these clothes?
納豆を食べてみたけど、あまり好きじゃなかった。
I tried eating natto, but I didn't like it very much.
Express a habitual attempt or conscious effort to do something over time.
Use for ongoing efforts or resolutions. Often used with adverbs like 毎日 (every day) or できるだけ (as much as possible).
毎朝早く起きるようにしています。
I try to wake up early every morning.
できるだけ歩くようにしている。
I try to walk as much as possible.
Express that someone is trying to do something right now, often struggling or making an effort in a particular situation.
Focuses on the moment of attempt. Can be used for both successful and unsuccessful attempts.
ドアを開けようとしたが、鍵がかかっていた。
I tried to open the door, but it was locked.
彼女は泣くまいとした。
She tried not to cry.
Emphasizes the effort involved. More explicit than 〜ようとする alone.
彼は問題を解決しようと努力した。
He tried hard to solve the problem.
〜てみる is used when trying something to see the result or for the experience, often with no implication of difficulty. 〜ようとする is used when making an effort to achieve a specific action, often with a sense of attempt that may succeed or fail. Compare: 食べてみる (try eating it to see if you like it) vs. 食べようとする (try to eat it, e.g., when you're not hungry or it's difficult).
〜ようにする means "try to do" as an ongoing effort or habit. 〜ことにする means "decide to do" or "make it a rule to do." The former implies continuous attempt; the latter implies a decision. Example: 運動するようにしている (I'm trying to exercise) vs. 運動することにした (I decided to exercise).
While 試みる (こころみる) translates to "attempt" or "try," it is formal and not used in everyday conversation. Overusing it can sound unnatural. Stick to the grammatical patterns for most situations.